Remarkable Reading Recommendations — Fiction

Welcome to the first installment of our Summer 2015 Remarkable Reading Recommendations! This is the first of six posts, which will highlight different books featured on the Scholastic 2015 Summer Reading Booklist. Each of our posts will focus on a different theme and will include a book for non-readers all the way through young adults.

Selection #1 – Fiction

From action/adventures to fairy tales featuring damsels in distress, a good fiction story can transport you anywhere you wish! With endless possibilities, it was hard to narrow down this particular list. I highly recommend checking out the Scholastic booklist for yourself for additional stories that are just as entertaining and engaging!

Ages 0 – 2

Cindy Moo, by Lori Mortensen & Jeff Mack

When ordinary barnyard cars hear the story of “Hey Diddle Diddle”, one determined cow named Cindy Moo decides to prove that cows really can jump over the moon. We selected this book for the list because we feel that this clever spin on a familiar nursery rhyme will delight readers of all ages.

Amazon.com — $15.92 (hardcover)

Ages 3 – 5

The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers

A young boy is surprised when he opens his crayon box and finds that his crayons have quit! Some colors are exhausted from being used too much while others just want their chance to shine. We chose this book because adults and children alike will chuckle at the silly humor. This book will no doubt inspire your budding artist to be more open when it comes to choosing colors.

Amazon.com — $8.72 (hardcover)

Ages 6 – 7

Battle Bunny, by Jon Sciezka, Mac Barnett & Matthew Myers

Alex’s grandmother gives him a sappy book called Birthday Bunny for his special day. Annoyed by his babyish gift, Alex decides to change the story into one he’ll want to read. Thus, Battle Bunny is born! We chose this story because it’s really two stories in one. Readers can read between Alex’s sketches and enjoy the original Birthday Bunny story, too. The team of Battle Bunny did an impressive job at transforming the story. (Beware that your readers may try to rewrite their own books!)

Amazon.com — $11.64 (hardcover)

Ages 8 – 10

How to Speak Dolphin, by Ginny Rorby

Lily’s younger brother Adam has autism. Since their father barely acknowledges Adam’s difference, Lily has had to take on the role of mother as well as sister. When their father brings them along to visit a dolphin, Adam instantly forms a bond with the animal. As Lily’s father treats the poor dolphin’s cancer, Lily finds herself torn. She feels the dolphin shouldn’t spend the rest of its life secluded in captivity, but does not want to betray her family. We chose this inspiring story because it helps introduce children to learning differences and how people (and animals) can be very different, yet still the same.

Amazon.com — $12.51 (hardcover)

Ages 11 – 13

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, by Avi

The year is 1832. Charlotte Doyle attends school overseas in England and has boarded a ship to return home to Rhode Island for the summer. But her pleasure cruise takes a turn for the worse when she finds herself alone on the ship, surrounded by a dastardly captain and crew. Caught between their conflicts, Charlotte makes a vicious enemy and is put on trial for murder. We selected this Newbury Honor Book for our list because it introduces readers to history while immersing them in a thrilling high seas adventure.

Amazon.com — $6.00 (paperback)

Young Adult

Rook, by Sharon Cameron

We chose Rook for our list because it brings the story of The Scarlet Pimpernel alive for a whole new generation to enjoy. Set in the distant future, the city that was one Paris has been destroyed following the shifting of the Earth’s magnetic poles. At the height of a revolution, anyone who refuses the new order is sentenced to death. But prisoners are being mysteriously sprung from their cells, with only a red-tipped feather left behind. The Red Rook is to blame, but for what – being a hero or a criminal? This story intertwines romance, intrigue and suspense in a compelling tale.

Amazon.com — $12.78 (hardcover)

If you decide to purchase these (or any other) books online, please consider supporting the Creative Education Institute and ordering them through Amazon Prime. For every purchase you make through Prime, Amazon will make a donation to the non-profile organization, which will go to provide academic services to students in need.

Be on the lookout for the next installment of our reading list – Throwback books!

Photo Credit: The pictures of the books in this post were taken from Amazon.com.

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